ENews 39

I think a translation of BW's WOW acronym could be "What Orful Weather" at the moment…

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A PRESSING POSITION TO IRON OUT

Yes I admit you have seen the following advertisement before. A lady came forward after it last appeared in ENews 32 but all efforts to make contact after her initial approach have failed miserably. So, if you are out there Chris and are still interested in finding out more, please do get in touch.

Meanwhile we are still seeking a volunteer Press Officer who would become the spokesperson for the Trust. You would be aware of publicity opportunities as and when they arose by adopting a pro-active approach to your duties, creating news items for local, national and the waterways press. You would be asked to attend Directors' meetings from time to time.

For further information please contact Jill McNaught-Davis at the CCT Cirencester Office, 01285 643440 or mail@cotswoldcanals.com

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FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS (1)

The next Eastern Branch meeting is this Wednesday 16 May, 7.30p.m. at The Trout, Lechlade. There is a guest speaker this month, John Epsley, whose talk is entitled "Going Around in Circles" or "How EBay Led Me to the Trout".

Sounds intriguing, why not go along? You will be made more than welcome

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FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS (2)

Joan Tucker's next historical walk along the Stroudwater will take place on Sunday 20th May and will be from Pike Bridge to Upper Mills.

Start time is 2p.m. and will last roughly 2 hours. Sorry no children under 12 and dogs will need to be kept on leads. The cost is £5 and profits are going towards the Restoration. Joan has requested that you book your place by phone 01453 762815 or joan@tucker-stroud.co.uk

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FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS (3)

The next WAG (Work Action Group) meeting is on Tuesday 22nd May at the Heritage Centre, Saul starting 7.30p.m. Meetings discuss Work Parties and the Restoration as a whole. All interested volunteers are cordially invited.

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CANAMBLE PREAMBLE

As I reported in ENews 38, Richard Attwood's Canamble 07 was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who took part. Next year the idea is to encourage more CCT members, friends and the general public to view Phases 1A & 1B of the restoration and walk the route.

Now then. In order to encourage these extra bods we need a willing volunteer to handle the publicity side, that's with the press, local radio stations, canal magazines etc. If you are that person please email canamble@raash31.co.uk. If there was something that put you off taking part this year then by all means email Richard to let him know what it would take to encourage you to get those walking boots out of their hiding place!

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MORTAR THIS THAN MEETS THE EYE

A 2 day masonry course is planned for Thursdays 5th and 12th July at the Brimscombe Port Walls. The course is being run by Woodchester Mansion and will cover masonry theory, lime mortar and historic masonry repair work. There are 3 spaces available that could be increased to 4 or 5 if there is sufficient demand.

The Roadshow is coming down your way over the weekend of 8th-10th June as it will be at the Beale Park Thames Boat Show. This is the ideal opportunity for those of you who live away from our main sphere of operations to lend a hand and show your support for the Trust.

A Roster has been started on the Connect website although it is a little sparse at the moment. If you can help and are a registered volunteer under the Connect system then please feel free to add your name to an appropriate slot to suit your availability. If you are yet to become a registered volunteer, all you have to do is visit http://www.cct.teamconnect.org.uk and complete the really simple registration process.

If you just want to talk to someone first then the Roadshow Manager Mike Slade is on 01179 693270 evenings or mrmike.slade@googlemail.com

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DIGGING THE DIRT

Plans are afoot to run another archaeology course now the introductory one has finished. Run jointly by BW & Cirencester College the course presents an ideal opportunity to get involved with our archaeological heritage. It is designed to provide an introduction to the principles of Archaeology by using various sites along the canal around Stroud. You can learn how to go about an investigation and what methods are used, how to survey a site and then how to create an archive.

The course is a practical one and will consist of two days out on site; you will participate in excavating and recording remains using a range of techniques and equipment. It is open to anyone aged over 16, all you need is to be able to undertake limited physical work.

The likely date is early September and numbers are limited to 10. BW's Heritage Adviser David Viner is waiting to tell you more 01452 831013, david.viner@britishwaterways.co.uk

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JUST 45 DAYS TO GO

Until your shift starts at this year's extravaganza that is our 11th Saul Canal Festival.

What do you mean, what shift? Haven't you volunteered for just a couple to get in for free over the whole weekend yet? You haven't?

There will be more than 60 new wearers of the famous green shirts this year, all of whom have volunteered to help because they enjoyed themselves so much as Festival visitors last year.

Why not join them? Go on – you know it makes sense!

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BOURNE AGAIN

Alan Jones' next work party will be on Sunday 29th May at Bourne Lock. This lock is the most eastward of the 16 foot wide locks and has many interesting features. Work involves removing all vegatation from the lock walls and then clearing the soil from the top cill backwards. There is brickwork to make good too.

Bourne lock is situated at the eastern end of Brimscombe, about 1/2 mile east of the road junction at Brimscombe, direction Chalford. Look out for two large Cotswold stone mills and a large sign for Noah's Ark bike shop, now located at Bourne Mills. Parking is across the bridge by the lock and turn left.

Is the postcode for Crick Marina where the Crick Boat Show is taking place over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend.

Would you like to save £14on the cost of two 3-day passes by offering a couple of hours on the Roadshow? The normal cost for just one of these passes is £16 but we are offering a pair for only £18. Strictly first come first served – contact Mike Slade mrmike.slade
@googlemail.com or 01179 693270 evenings.